“Those are the facts and figures, but when people find out that I served as Mitt Romney’s lieutenant governor, they always ask me the same question: What’s he like?

“First and foremost, Mitt is a good and honorable man, committed to public service and his country.

“On the morning he took the oath of office, his first act was to focus public attention on those in need. We served breakfast to homeless veterans — encouraging volunteerism, and acknowledging the special debt we owe to those who sacrifice for our country.

“Mitt never took a salary as governor. But he worked harder than anyone I know.

“Early every morning, before the rest of us arrived, Mitt would meet with his economic secretary. They worked tirelessly — because for Mitt, creating jobs was his top priority.

“Mitt was always a hands-on leader. When one of Boston’s tunnels collapsed, tragically killing a passenger in her car, Mitt didn’t blame others. He dove in and fixed the problem.

“Mitt immersed himself in the engineering challenges, personally oversaw safety inspections, abolished cronyism and corruption, and restored public confidence.

“That’s the Mitt Romney I know.

“And he is ready to bring that same work ethic, vision and integrity to the White House.

“He will never let our children’s education be second-best or allow their future prosperity to be mortgaged by today’s political cowardice.

“And he will respect those who build things with their own minds and their own hands.

“Mitt Romney won’t just talk about family values, he will live them.

“And I’ll tell you another thing, Mitt Romney understands that the world is a safer place when our country leads, and he will never apologize for America.

“He will lead us back to an America we can be proud of — and ahead to a future where the American dream is alive again, and within every man and woman’s reach.